Backpacking Through Ghana as a Young Female Solo Traveler

Summary

Anne Bonfert recounts her fearless solo backpacking journey along the coast of Ghana, emphasizing her trust in human kindness and the guidance of locals.

Abstract

In a personal narrative, Anne Bonfert challenges societal fears by embarking on a spontaneous hiking adventure along Ghana's West Coast. Her journey, undertaken during the last days of 2014, was inspired by a desire for beachside solitude but evolved into a testament of trust and camaraderie with local residents. Refusing payment and offering protection, these individuals became her guides, leading her through unfamiliar terrains with warmth and hospitality. Bonfert's belief in the inherent good of people and the power of karma is a central theme of her travelogue. The experience, which she considers unforgettable, is part of a series of six-word photo stories that explore the concept of "self" in response to a writing prompt.

Opinions

Bonfert holds a strong belief in the inherent goodness of humans and the concept of karma, which she feels guided her on her journey.
She views herself not as naive but as an adventurer, someone who is open to experiences and trusting of the world around her.
The author's perspective on fear is that it is a tool used by governments, media, and society to control people, and she actively chooses not to let fear dictate her actions.
Locals in Ghana are portrayed as kind and generous, going out of their way to help a solo traveler without expecting anything in return.
Bonfert's trip is described as a significant and memorable life event, suggesting that solo travel can be a profound and transformative experience.

Young, adventurous, and unknown to fear.

Our world is driven by fear. Governments, the media, and society control people through fear. This is why almost everyone asked me if I wasn’t scared. And no, I wasn’t. Why should I?

On the last days of 2014, I packed my backpack and traveled south to the coastline in Ghana. I just wanted to spend a few days on the beach. But after a few hours, I came up with the idea to hike along Ghana’s West Coast.

I booked out of the bungalow, put the backpack on my shoulders, tied the shoes to my bag, and started to walk bare feet through the sand.

Whenever I would face a stretch I had to walk through the forest I put my shoes back on.

Locals were guiding me. I had picked the next biggest town as a destination for the day. Without the locals, I wouldn’t have found it in 4 out of 5 days. They guided me. In a foreign language. With a smile on their face. They refused to take any money from me and protected me from thieves along the way.

When it got dangerous in their eyes, they didn’t leave me alone.

If I was scared? Never.

I believe in the good in humans. And in karma. Some might call me naive. I just see myself as an adventurer.

This was a trip of my lifetime and I know for sure it will remain the one I won’t forget.

Part four: The adventurer.

I am taking part in the writing prompt where Mary Chang invited us to write on the topic of “self”. Describing myself in one photo and a short form post wasn’t for me, so I decided to create a series from it.

Read more of my series presenting myself in six-word photo stories:

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PHOTO ESSAY SERIES

Backpacking Through Ghana as a Young Female Solo Traveler

January Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Self”

Young, adventurous, and unknown to fear.

My Experience of Traveling Alone as a Woman in Africa

A hiking trip along the coast of Ghana

In Yellow Looking for Fall’s Beauty

January Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Self”

Never too Old to Splash in the Waves

January six-word photo story challenge: “Self”

How I Became a Sandboarding Instructor

January Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Self”